Declan Groesbeck Jumps Into Opportunities
Wednesday, September 03, 2025
Declan Groesbeck takes a running start to his career and jumps into opportunities, including research and study abroad.
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Physics
Certificate: Semiconductor Materials and Devices
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Declan Groesbeck wants to get a running start on his career ambitions, jumping into opportunity after opportunity while still in college.
The senior Noblitt Scholar has taken on multiple research projects, including a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Ohio State University. His research interests have included an investigation of using titanium dioxide to decompose methylene blue, a synthesis of lead bromide organic perovskite nanowire, and the synthesis and characterization of tungsten trioxide.
After graduation, Groesbeck plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry or material science to study advanced light-emitting materials. He hopes to eventually work as a research and development scientist to develop energy efficient materials that can be used in light-emitting diodes.
Outside of the lab, Groesbeck continues to leap for every experience available to him. He competes on the track and field team in the long jump, triple jump, and high jump events.
"When I do the triple jump, I feel weightless when I hit each phase in perfect succession," Groesbeck said. "There is no feeling quite like competing in a meet for Rose-Hulman's track and field team."
Groesbeck is also a member of the Rose-Hulman chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional fraternity for chemistry and chemical engineering students. As part of his affiliation with Astronomy Association, Groesbeck has become certified in the operation of both visual and camera telescopes.
"Rose has given me not only the resources, but also the knowledge to be a better student," Groesbeck said. "Rose faculty are not only knowledgeable but also available. They helped me gain understanding of the material beyond the scope of the classroom."
Groesbeck serves as a tutor in the Learning Center, helping his peers also become better students in their chemistry, math, and physics courses.
Groesbeck traveled to Japan with a group of Rose-Hulman students as part of the Chemistry of Food and Drinks in Japan course, taught by Luanne Tilstra, PhD, and Fumie Sunahori, PhD. During the spring quarter, students learned about Japanese culture, as well the chemical processes in various methods of food preparation, before applying what they learned at eateries and kitchens in Japan.
"My experience in the Chemistry of Food and Drinks in Japan class was absolutely wonderful," Groesbeck said, noting that he particularly enjoyed learning how traditional soy sauce is made.
The course helped the students see their class materials in an everyday application, one of many experiences at Rose-Hulman helping Groesbeck's dreams take flight as he leaps into his career.
Minor: Physics
Certificate: Semiconductor Materials and Devices
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Declan Groesbeck wants to get a running start on his career ambitions, jumping into opportunity after opportunity while still in college.
The senior Noblitt Scholar has taken on multiple research projects, including a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at Ohio State University. His research interests have included an investigation of using titanium dioxide to decompose methylene blue, a synthesis of lead bromide organic perovskite nanowire, and the synthesis and characterization of tungsten trioxide.
After graduation, Groesbeck plans to pursue a PhD in chemistry or material science to study advanced light-emitting materials. He hopes to eventually work as a research and development scientist to develop energy efficient materials that can be used in light-emitting diodes.
Outside of the lab, Groesbeck continues to leap for every experience available to him. He competes on the track and field team in the long jump, triple jump, and high jump events.
"When I do the triple jump, I feel weightless when I hit each phase in perfect succession," Groesbeck said. "There is no feeling quite like competing in a meet for Rose-Hulman's track and field team."
Groesbeck is also a member of the Rose-Hulman chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Chi Sigma, a professional fraternity for chemistry and chemical engineering students. As part of his affiliation with Astronomy Association, Groesbeck has become certified in the operation of both visual and camera telescopes.
"Rose has given me not only the resources, but also the knowledge to be a better student," Groesbeck said. "Rose faculty are not only knowledgeable but also available. They helped me gain understanding of the material beyond the scope of the classroom."
Groesbeck serves as a tutor in the Learning Center, helping his peers also become better students in their chemistry, math, and physics courses.
Groesbeck traveled to Japan with a group of Rose-Hulman students as part of the Chemistry of Food and Drinks in Japan course, taught by Luanne Tilstra, PhD, and Fumie Sunahori, PhD. During the spring quarter, students learned about Japanese culture, as well the chemical processes in various methods of food preparation, before applying what they learned at eateries and kitchens in Japan.
"My experience in the Chemistry of Food and Drinks in Japan class was absolutely wonderful," Groesbeck said, noting that he particularly enjoyed learning how traditional soy sauce is made.
The course helped the students see their class materials in an everyday application, one of many experiences at Rose-Hulman helping Groesbeck's dreams take flight as he leaps into his career.